A powerpoint of Adult Faith Education highlighted the important work of this particular ministry in the Diocese; and Lyn presented a series of photographs depicting her experiences working at the Diocese in Adult Faith Education. Lyn's face lit up and her smile widened when she spoke humbly of the many people she had the “privilege” of working with, although everyone at the Zoom gathering knew the privilege of working with Lyn was all theirs.

Bishop Shane Mackinlay, Fr Rom Hayes, Sr Cecilia Merrigan and Alma Limbrick gave heartfelt tributes to Lyn; and Lyn’s niece gave impromptu words of praise, expressing her delight in seeing that so many people, like her, also think Lyn is “awesome”.

Fr Rom said that retirement was easier for him now that Lyn is also retiring and thanked her for treating everyone “so kindly”. “Lyn, you have been so faithful to the Church in good times and in difficult times,” he said. “You’ve been a constant support to Kerry Stone and the works of Caritas. You are a great listener, even when I go on for too long.”

On a more personal note, Fr Rom said he has grown to know Lyn and her family over the years and has been with them in times of loss. “I remember the operatic voice of your mother singing on recording at your father’s Requiem Mass,” he said.
“You are a woman who has shown exceptional sensitivity and strength in times of tragic loss in your family. You were the thoughtful and courageous one. It was for me an honour to be with you in those tough times,” he said.

Sr Ceclia Merrigan spoke of Lyn, the person:

“(Lyn) is highly qualified in all aspects of our Faith but rarely did we see her take the limelight. Instead, she used her extensive contacts and her awe-inspiring research ability to source people and courses and experiences that she then offered to us. Lyn’s list of possibilities for AFE offerings knew no bounds and, consequently, our Diocese is blessed with many well- educated and well-resourced parishioners.

If you attended any event organised by Lyn, it ran smoothly. And that was because she took responsibility for every aspect of It ─ advertising widely, meeting speakers at the airport, driving them the length and breadth of the Diocese, setting up the venue at crack of dawn, even providing the on-arrival tea, coffee and biscuits from the extraordinary variety of boxes stored in her car.

I do warn that Lyn’s work ethic is to be admired but not emulated! If I rang Lyn outside normal working hours, she would almost invariably admit, on questioning, that she was just completing the Pilgrimage list, or just doing the finishing touches on one of the numerous brochures and booklets that she produced for the seasons of the year, family prayer, young people leaving school. This total dedication to her role meant we are the beneficiaries of beautiful and rich resources that I am sure will be used long into the future.

Lyn, you have been, and I am sure, will continue to be, a blessing for us in Sandhurst. You, like the Good Shepherd, knew your flock from Corryong to Eaglehawk, Rutherglen to Euroa and everywhere between. You have led us into fine pastures, and we treasure the years we have been guided by you in our faith journey.

May God bless you richly in your retirement."

Bishop Shane spoke of Lyn’s faith and missionary discipleship:

“Long before Pope Francis started talking about missionary disciples, Lyn was living that out and calling with great passion and commitment for us to make that a central priority of all our activities.
Everything that Lyn does is connected to her commitment to mission and her determination to encourage us to build up our engagement with one another and to be people of mission who live out our vocation together as disciples.”

Lyn concluded the Zoom session, with a slideshow featuring highlights of her 16 years of ministry in Adult Faith at the Diocese.

“Today, for me, is very much a celebration of all the people who have been part of Adult Faith Education Sandhurst through the years. There are so very many groups, communities, and individuals, who deserve my heartfelt thanks, and too many to name them all,” she said.

  pdf Read Lyn's Speech at her Diocesan Zoom Farwell  (243 KB)